The Future Of Deep-Sea Mining: Harmonizing Maritime And Mining Laws For Equitable And Sustainable Resource Management
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 21
- 1 min read
Ms. GKS Amruta, VIT-AP School of Law, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh
ABSTRACT
Deep-sea mining has emerged as a critical area of interest due to its potential to provide access to essential minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. However, its regulation requires a careful balance between resource exploitation and environmental protection. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the primary legal framework for maritime zones, including international seabed areas managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). UNCLOS designates these resources as the common heritage of mankind, mandating equitable benefit- sharing. Coastal states possess sovereign rights within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs), while the ISA oversees activities beyond these boundaries. Key challenges include jurisdictional disputes over resource control, environmental risks such as biodiversity loss, and regulatory gaps due to the rapid advancement of mining technologies outpacing legal frameworks. To address these issues, recommendations include strengthening ISA’s regulatory authority, integrating environmental impact assessments into mining laws, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms for all nations, including developing and landlocked states. A cohesive legal approach that harmonises principles from UNCLOS with comprehensive mining laws is essential for the sustainable and ethical exploitation of marine resources while preserving fragile ecosystems. This intersection of legal frameworks underscores the need for global cooperation in managing deep-sea mining activities responsibly.
Keywords: Deep-sea mining, exploration, exploitation, UNCLOS, ISA
